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Fort Smith Navy Veteran Receives Medals

Navy veteran Donald Polk Sr. was honored for his service and sacrifice in a ceremony at his Fort Smith home Friday afternoon.

Retired Col. Steve Gray honored Polk, praising his sacrifice and service to his country and that “without a doubt, his service allowed him to be bestowed with this honor.”

Polk, also a retired 20-year veteran firefighter of the Fort Smith Fire Department, served three years in the Navy, joining in 1961. He was a construction mechanic, where he helped to repair and maintain heavy construction equipment and military tactical vehicles.

“We got out just before they started — it was the advisory period. We left a year before it got bad,” Polk said. “We created the ramps for the artillery units to get onto shore. They had sent us in before combat to get some of the work established.”

His unit was tasked with building or rebuilding facilities throughout the Pacific, due to increased United States support in south Vietnam.

Polk, who said he was “surprised and honored” to be recognized for his service time, was presented with the Navy E Ribbon and the National Defense Medal.